if the Shoe Fits...

Life is like shoes, some fit, some don't... Patti Labelle is known for her stage presence, her passion, her pipes... she is also known to take those shoes and throw them off on stage! Why? Not cos' she doesn't like them, not cos' she doesn't look good in them. BUT, because her darn feet hurt after a while! She knows it's alright to change things up, to get comfortable, to not care what others may think ...

I really don’t like all the shoes that may fit me from time to time.. So my thinking is, change shoes. The fit may be better or the “shoe” more welcome. I say this in returning to the theme of today being random acts of Kindness... BE kind to you, to all that you see or meet along your path. Be the change you want to see in your home, your community, your world.

You know how some things just resonate? Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” That song still

 replays in my head often. If you want to make a change, look in the mirror,

BE the change you want to see. So how do we translate this musical expression of wisdom into our own lives? It really does begin with us.

Lonely? Feeling unloved? Befriend someone. Get out there and make a friend, and acquaintance. Be the friend you wish you had and the universe will “gift” you a friend. Find something you are passionate about and make a contribution. Have a dream? Does it scare you at times? If not, you are not dreaming large enough! Spend time smiling at everyone you meet. The smile is contagious. You give one, you may get one. What happened to old fashioned pleasant greetings? Tip you hat, nod and smile… These small gestures are the way to begin the change. Do it so often it becomes your habit.

Unhappy and stressed? Laugh. Watch a funny movie or go to the local comedy club with a buddy. Go people watching, that's surely a great and inexpensive way to get your laugh on!  Lots of funny books in the public library. Better yet, make someone laugh. I know it’s tough to do when you feel crushed by everyday stress. You are clever, and bigger than that potential bottomless pit of stress. Inside of each of us (or most of us) is the desire to be happy. This is only achieved internally. Happiness is not taken, it is given. Give of yourself, in the giving, you will receive so much more than you give. I promise.

Say what you mean, mean what you say. Be honest in all your interactions. Not hurtfully honest. But ethical, stand behind your promises. Don’t make a promise you can’t or won’t honor. Just be you. Remember, being you is the best you have to offer. So, be you. Be the best you that you can be. Make the changes necessary. Strive to make yourself better in some meaningful way everyday. Like a snowball, small changes lead to big results.

Look hard in the mirror where only you really know what that reflection means. Is there something about your life, your behavior that you want to change? Little steps lead to big changes. Each of us are responsible only for what we contribute to the mix. Good in, eventually leads to good results. So put something worthwhile out into the universe and reap the rewards. Not because you want more for yourself, but because it really is in the giving that we receive.

Go ahead, smile at the sun, throw a snowball, hug a tree. Recycle. Smile. Hug, really hug a friend. Speak kindly for it is easier to eat you own words when they are tender.

I close by asking everyone to listen again to Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” and own the message it offers. I have, and am blessed by it. I wish you enough.

Enjoy your life, live it. You are the change agent in this world. Live well, love, be loved and laugh often. I wish you enough.

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES